L-Carnitine
Metabolic
L-Carnitine is a naturally occurring quaternary ammonium compound biosynthesized from lysine and methionine, essential for the transport of long-chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane for beta-oxidation. In research models, L-Carnitine has been studied extensively for its role in mitochondrial fatty acid utilization, energy substrate metabolism, acetyl-CoA regulation, and its influence on endurance capacity, exercise performance signaling pathways, and cardiometabolic function. It serves as an obligate cofactor in the carnitine shuttle system, acting as a carrier for acyl groups between cellular compartments.
$35.00
In StockFor research purposes only. Not for human consumption.
Mechanism of Action
L-Carnitine facilitates the translocation of long-chain acyl-CoA esters across the inner mitochondrial membrane via the carnitine shuttle. Cytosolic acyl-CoA is converted to acylcarnitine by carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT1) on the outer mitochondrial membrane. The acylcarnitine is transported across by carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase (CACT), then reconverted to acyl-CoA by CPT2 on the inner membrane, making the acyl group available for beta-oxidation and ATP synthesis. Additionally, L-Carnitine buffers excess acetyl-CoA by forming acetylcarnitine, modulating the acetyl-CoA/CoA ratio and supporting metabolic flexibility in research models.
Research Focus Areas
- Mitochondrial fatty acid transport and beta-oxidation research
- Fat metabolism and lipid utilization pathway studies
- Energy production and ATP synthesis support models
- Endurance and performance pathway research